India vs West Indies, Match 2: Preview, Squad, Predictions and More – ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The second match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on June 17th at the iconic Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, England. The Indian national team, led by Virat Kohli, will face a tough challenge from the West Indies, captained by Shai Hope. Both teams have a lot to prove, and we’re in for a thrilling encounter on Wednesday.
Playing Squads:
India: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Kedar Jadhav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav
West Indies: Shai Hope (Captain), Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Kieran Powell, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh Jr., Sheldon Cottrell, Romario Shepherd
Preview:
India, fresh from their thrilling win over South Africa in the tournament opener, look to continue their momentum against a West Indian side that narrowly lost to New Zealand in their previous game. The Men in Blue will rely on their batting heavy squad, which includes the explosive Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal, looks solid, but they will need to contain the hard-hitting West Indian batsmen.
The West Indies, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss. Their batting, which has been struggling in recent months, will need to deliver if they hope to post a competitive total. The likes of Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, and Nicholas Pooran will need to get runs if they want to put up a good fight. In bowling, Alzarri Joseph, Hayden Walsh Jr., and Sheldon Cottrell will need to support their batting with some tight overs.
Predictions:
This one is set to be a thrilling contest, with both teams having their own strengths and weaknesses. India’s batting looks formidable, while the West Indies’ bowling attack is capable of making life difficult for the Indian batsmen. Our prediction is that India will emerge victorious, but the West Indies will give them a scare. Scoreline: India – 280+, West Indies – 220-230.
Key Statistics:
- India and the West Indies have met 146 times in ODIs, with India leading the head-to-head 72-56.
- India have won 7 of the last 10 encounters between the two teams.
- Jasprit Bumrah is India’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs in 2020, with 10 wickets at an average of 24.70.
- Shikhar Dhawan is West Indies’ top scorer in ODIs, with 4,426 runs at an average of 43.44.
The stage is set for a thrilling contest as two of the most enthusiastic cricketing nations face off in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Will India emerge victorious, or can the West Indies cause an upset? Stay tuned to find out!
